Environmental Specialist Jobs in Minnesota

Application due date : September 8, 2026

Location: MN (Eligible for hybrid schedule)

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restriction. Visa sponsorship is not available.

We are the people we power. As Minnesota’s not-for-profit electric cooperative, our member-owners and their members impact every decision we make. Because their needs are our needs, and their dreams are our dreams.

Summary:

As an Environmental Specialist (Air Quality), you'll serve as the air quality subject matter expert for assigned power generation facilities, leading air permitting activities and ensuring compliance with complex federal, state, and local environmental regulations. You'll oversee Title V permit compliance, emissions reporting, and Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), while evaluating regulatory changes and translating requirements into practical compliance strategies.

Partnering closely with plant operations, engineering, and leadership, you'll provide technical guidance, analyze emissions and environmental performance data, prepare regulatory reports and permit applications, and identify opportunities to improve environmental performance while minimizing compliance risk. Your expertise will help shape operational decisions, influence environmental strategy, and support our commitment to safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible power generation. If you're passionate about solving complex regulatory challenges and making a meaningful impact, you'll find a rewarding career here.

Total Rewards:

A typical starting range for this position is $105,000 – $144,000 annually. We offer market competitive base pay and adjust our offer accordingly based upon the value of the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our Total Rewards strategy focuses on recognizing individual performance and rewarding business results. Our robust Total Rewards package includes exceptional benefits and retirement, a focus on continuous engagement, recognition, personal and professional development, and an emphasis on work-life effectiveness.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead air quality permitting activities, including preparation, submittal, and management of permits.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state environmental regulations.

• Serve as site environmental coordinator for designated areas of responsibility.

• Support and provide oversight of facility environmental compliance programs.

• Monitor and interpret emerging regulatory issues, providing guidance and policy recommendations to leadership.

• Perform detailed data analysis (CEMS and related systems) and prepare accurate, timely reports and regulatory submissions.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and compliance.

• Maintain thorough documentation and ensure a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in all work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a natural, biological, or environmental science and a minimum of five years of experience in environmental regulatory compliance required. A master’s degree is preferred.

• Demonstrated experience analyzing continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) data and preparing associated regulatory reports. Experience with ESC StackVision and/or EPA CAMD/CDX systems is required.

• Experience in air permitting and federal/state environmental regulatory compliance programs.

• Strong understanding of environmental regulatory frameworks and ability to interpret complex regulations and translate them into clear, actionable guidance.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex environmental data sets and produce accurate, high-quality regulatory reports.

• Knowledge of environmental regulatory programs and familiarity with the operational aspects of electric utility facilities.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate across technical and non-technical teams.

• Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.

• Ability to plan, administer, and support compliance programs within a complex regulatory environment.

• Experience working directly with regulatory agencies, including negotiating permit conditions and compliance determinations.

• Proficiency with personal computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and Outlook.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit for extended periods of time, walk and stand; talk both in person and by telephone; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift up to 25 pounds. Vision abilities include close and distant focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. May on occasion be exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels . Subject to occasional vibration and hazards and on occasion exposed to fumes, dust or mist. Industrial plant working conditions will require hearing, breathing, eye, skin, or foot protection at times.10% travel is required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Apply: Qualified candidates please apply at www.greatriverenergy.com (under the Careers tab) by September 8, 2026. GRE values diversity, equity and inclusion and we are an equal employment opportunity employer.